The Running Toilet: Causes and Fixes

A running toilet can be more than an annoying background noise—it's also a waste of water and can lead to surprisingly high utility bills. Understanding why your toilet keeps running and knowing how to fix it can save you money and prevent future issues. In this blog post, we'll explain the common causes of a running toilet and provide some tips on how to resolve them.

1. Flapper Seal Issues

The flapper creates a seal within the tank of your toilet. When it's working correctly, the flapper releases water to flush and then re-seals to allow the tank to refill. If the flapper is damaged or worn out (we often see older flappers that have become hardened or brittle), it can't form a proper seal, causing water to leak from the tank into the toilet bowl, which in turn keeps the water running.

Fix: You can usually find replacement flappers at your local hardware store. To replace it, turn off the water supply, flush to drain the tank, remove the old flapper and replace it with a new one. Make sure it creates a good seal by testing it with a couple of flushes.

2. Fill Valve Failure

The fill valve controls the water that refills the tank after a flush. Over time, it can become worn or damaged, preventing it from shutting off properly and leading to a constantly running toilet.

Fix: To replace the fill valve, first turn off the water supply and flush to drain the tank. Remove the old fill valve (it's usually held in place by a nut underneath the tank) and install the new one according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Incorrect Float Height

The float controls the fill valve and determines the water level in your tank. If it's set too high, water will flow into the overflow tube and the toilet will keep running.

Fix: Adjust the float to lower the water level. This is usually as simple as sliding a clip along a rod (in the case of a float ball) or turning a screw (in the case of a float cup). The correct level is typically 1 inch below the top of the overflow tube.

4. Overflow Tube Issues

The overflow tube prevents the tank from overflowing by directing excess water into the bowl. If the tube is cracked or broken, it can cause the toilet to run.

Fix: Replacing the overflow tube involves removing and replacing the flush valve assembly, which can be a bit complex. If you're not comfortable with DIY plumbing, it may be best to call a professional plumber.

Conclusion

While a running toilet can be a nuisance, in many cases, it's also a simple fix. If you're not comfortable doing it yourself or if your toilet continues to run despite your best efforts, it's time to call in the experts. Call or text us at 704-516-9980 or email at residential@bodaplumbing.com to setup a service call.

“We Rush, So You Can Flush!”